March 8, 2019

Sen. Diamond bill to strengthen “move over law” gets public hearing

AUGUSTA — A bill sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond,
D-Windham, to strengthen protections for police, emergency responders and road
workers received a public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Legislature’s
Transportation Committee, which Sen. Diamond chairs.

“The ‘move over law’ keeps police, emergency responders
and public service workers safe while they do their jobs,” said Sen.
Diamond. “I hope this bill can serve as the start of a conversation about
strengthening safety protections for those who keep us safe.”

In December of last year two Maine State Troopers were
injured, in two separate accidents a week apart, when their cruisers were
struck by passing vehicles. These incidents caused Maine State Police to step
up their enforcement of the “move over law.”

LD 546 faces further action in the Transportation
Committee, as well as votes in the Maine House and Senate.